Venezuela has issued a firm response to President Donald Trump’s announcement of a comprehensive naval blockade, asserting that its crucial oil export operations remain unaffected. The state-owned petroleum company PDVSA released an official statement confirming that “export operations for crude and byproducts continue normally” and that tankers associated with its operations maintain regular sailing schedules.
The declaration comes directly following President Trump’s Tuesday proclamation instituting what he described as “a total and complete blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers going into and out of Venezuela.” The US President emphasized the substantial military presence deployed to the Caribbean region, notably referencing the world’s largest aircraft carrier, and stated that “Venezuela is completely surrounded by the largest Armada ever assembled in the History of South America.”
Despite these aggressive maneuvers, Venezuela’s military establishment, which continues to support President Nicolas Maduro’s government, declared it remains “not intimidated” by the show of force. PDVSA further emphasized that historical attempts to disrupt their operations have consistently failed to diminish either their operational capabilities or the determination of their workforce.
The ongoing confrontation highlights the critical importance of petroleum exports to Venezuela’s struggling economy, which has faced severe challenges under previous sanctions and international pressure. The current standoff represents a significant escalation in the geopolitical tension between the two nations, with potential implications for global energy markets and regional stability in South America.